THE  LIBRAR-Y- 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

IN  MEMORY  OF 
MRS.  VIRGINIA  B.  SPORER 


ZTbe  Mfsfcom  of  tbe  Bast  Series 

EDITED  BY 

L.   CRANMER-BYNG 
Dr.   S.   A.   KAPADIA 


THE    RELIGION   OF   THE    KORAN 


WISDOM  OF  THE  EAST 

THE  RELIGION 
OF  THE   KORAN 


BY  ARTHUR  N.  WOLLASTON 

K.C.I.E. 


NEW  YORK 

E.  P.  DUTTON  AND  COMPANY 
1910 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTION n 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  KORAN: 

THE  KORAN .   .  27 

UNITY  OF  GOD 30 

MUHAMMAD  THE  APOSTLE  OF  GOD    .        .  34 

RESURRECTION  .        .        .                .        .  37 

HELL 40 

PARADISE  .                .        ....  43 

GENII  OR  JINNS 48 

ANGELS 51 

THE  DEVIL 53 

PREDESTINATION 55 

PRAYER 57 

ALMSGIVING 59 

FASTING 61 

PILGRIMAGE  TO  MECCA     ....  62 
PROHIBITIONS — WINE,    GAMING,    FOODS, 
USURY,    INFANTICIDE,   ILL-TREATMENT 

OF  ORPHANS         .....  64 

MARRIAGE  AND  DIVORCE.        .        .        .  67 

PROSELYTISM 70 


2042134 


The  accompanying  Extracts  from  the  Koran  are 
taken  from  the  Translation  by  the  late  Professor 
E.  H,  Palmer,  published  in  1880  in  the  Sacred  Books 
of  the  East  Series. 


INTRODUCTION 

The  Koran.— As  the  sacred  volume  of  some 
170  millions  of  the  present  inhabitants  of  the 
world,  the  Koran  possesses  an  interest  and  im- 
portance which  well  merit,  and  will  amply  repay, 
attention  and  study.  To  the  pious  Musulman 
it  is  the  very  Word  of  God,  the  true  rule  of 
life,  and  the  source  of  all  his  hopes  for  the 
future. 

It  is  universally  allowed  to  be  written  with 
the  utmost  elegance  and  purity  of  style,  though, 
of  course,  as  the  standard  of  the  Arabic  tongue, 
it  scarcely  comes  within  the  pale  of  grammatical 
criticism.  But,  apart  from  this,  it  would  be 
difficult  to  surpass  the  eloquence  and  beauty  of 
its  diction,  and  well  may  Muhammad  have  dis- 
claimed all  power  of  working  miracles,  trusting 
to  the  sacred  Book  itself  as  evidence  of  his  mission 
from  on  high. 

That  the  Koran  was  really  the  work  of  the 
Prophet  of  Arabia  is  beyond  dispute,  though  it 
must  be  left  to  conjecture  whether,  and  to  what 
extent,  others  participated  in  his  design.  Pious 
Muslims,  however,  would  have  it  believed  that 
the  book  was  of  divine  origin,  and  revealed  to 
Muhammad  on  various  occasions,  sometimes  at 
Mecca,  and  sometimes  at  Madina,  during  a 

II  B 


period  of  twenty-three  years.  After  the  passages 
had  been  set  down  in  writing  by  his  scribe  from 
the  Prophet's  mouth,  they  were  published  to  his 
followers,  some  of  whom  took  copies,  more  or 
less  incomplete,  for  their  private  use,  but  the  far 
greater  number  learned  them  by  heart.  The 
originals  when  returned  were  placed  promiscuously 
in  a  chest,  where  they  remained  in  a  state  of 
confusion  till  the  time  of  Abu  Bakr,  the  Khalif 
or  successor  of  the  Prophet  (A.D.  632-634).  By 
his  direction  they  were  collected  and  additions 
made  of  those  portions  which  had  not  previously 
been  committed  to  writing.  Matters  remained 
in  this  condition  till  A.D.  652,  when  Othman, 
who  was  then  Khalif,  ordered  a  great 
number  of  copies  to  be  transcribed  from  the 
compilation  of  Abu  Bakr,  with  emendations  by 
specially  selected  scholars,  and  dispersed  this 
new  edition  throughout  the  Empire,  in  place  of 
the  old  collections,  which  were  thereupon  sup- 
pressed. It  may  interest  the  curious  to  learn 
that  of  the  seven  principal  editions  of  the  Koran 
which  were  subsequently  prepared,  two  were 
published  and  used  at  Madina,  a  third  at  Mecca, 
a  fourth  at  Kufa,  a  fifth  at  Bussorah,  a  sixth  in 
Syria  ;  while  the  seventh  became  the  common 
or  vulgar  edition  throughout  the  land.  The  first 
printed  edition  appeared  in  Arabic  at  Venice  in 
A.D.  1530,  under  the  direction  of  Pagninus  of 
Brescia.  The  Pope  of  Rome,  however,  was 
alarmed,  and  by  his  orders  all  the  copies  were 
committed  to  the  flames.  The  next  complete 
Arabic  edition  was  published  at  Hamburg 
(A.D.  1649)  under  the  auspices  of  Hinkelmann. 

12 


A  later  and  more  celebrated  edition  was  printed 
at  St.  Petersburg  in  A.D.  1787  by  command  of  the 
Empress  Catherine  II.,  for  the  benefit  of  such  of 
her  Tartar  subjects  as  were  Muslims.  A  Latin 
translation  made  in  A.D.  1143,  but  not  published 
till  A.D.  1543,  was  followed  after  an  interval  of  a 
century  and  a  half  (A.D.  1698)  by  the  elaborate 
volumes  given  to  the  world  by  Father  Maracci, 
the  confessor  of  Pope  Innocent  XL  The  first 
English  edition  of  the  Koran  was  the  translation 
of  Alexander  Ross,  which  appeared  at  intervals 
between  the  years  A.D.  1649-1688. 

Unity  of  God. — The  great  doctrine  of  the  Koran 
is  the  Unity  of  God.  It  is  true  that  at  the  time 
Muhammad  remodelled  the  religions  of  Arabia  the 
peoples  of  that  land  believed  in  one  Supreme  Deity 
— but  they  also  paid  adoration  to  the  fixed  stars 
and  the  planets,  as  well  as  to  the  angels  and  other 
intelligences  which  were  supposed  to  reside  in 
the  heavenly  bodies  :  while  the  worship  of  images, 
which  they  honoured  as  inferior  deities,  was 
carried  to  such  an  extent  that  there  were  no  less 
than  360  idols — one  for  each  day  in  the  year — 
before  which  Arab  devotees  were  wont  to  pros- 
trate themselves. 

Muhammad  the  Apostle  of  God. — Assuming  as 
an  axiom  which  could  scarcely  be  called  in 
question,  that  there  could  be  but  one  orthodox 
belief,  Muhammad,  finding  that  this  eternal 
religion  was  in  his  time  corrupted,  claimed  to 
be  a  prophet  sent  by  God  to  restore  the  faith 
to  its  original  purity.  The  aim  was  lofty,  the 
conception  magnificent  ;  the  religion  of  the 
"  Faithful  "  was  founded  in  humility — it  reigned 

13 


in  sovereign  majesty  and  might — and  countless 
millions  now  worship  the  God  of  the  Arabian 
teacher  and  ruler  of  men;  while  for  thirteen 
centuries  the  vault  of  Heaven  has  resounded 
with  the  cry  of  Islam,  "  There  is  but  one  God — and 
Muhammad  is  the  Apostle  of  God." 

Resurrection. — The  next  article  of  faith  laid  down 
in  the  Koran  is  a  belief  in  a  general  resurrection  and 
a  future  j  udgment.  As  soon  as  the  soul  is  separated 
from  the  body  by  the  angel  of  death — an  office, 
so  Muslims  would  have  it  believed,  performed 
with  gentleness  as  regards  the  good,  and  with 
violence  in  the  case  of  the  wicked — it  enters  into 
an  intermediate  state,  there  to  remain  till  the 
last  trump,  save  as  regards  the  Prophets,  whose 
spirits  pass  immediately  after  death  to  abodes 
of  bliss.  As  regards  the  resurrection,  it  is  gener- 
ally believed  that  it  will  be  alike  corporeal  as 
spiritual,  and  extend  to  all  created  beings,  whether 
angels,  genii,  men,  or  animals.  The  dead,  how- 
ever, who  have  risen  will  not  be  brought  to  im- 
mediate judgment,  but  kept  in  suspense  till  such 
time — some  would  have  it  a  period  of  no  less  than 
50,000  years — as  God  shall  think  fit.  According 
to  Muhammadan  belief  the  most  exact  justice 
will  be  meted  out  at  the  Last  Day,  inasmuch  as  a 
balance  will  be  brought  wherein  all  the  actions 
of  mankind  will  be  weighed.  When  this  terrible 
ordeal  is  passed,  those  who  are  admitted  to  Para- 
dise will  be  gathered  on  the  right  hand  and  those 
who  are  destined  to  perdition  on  the  left.  Still 
the  trials  of  mankind  do  not  terminate  with  the 
ordeals  which  have  been  undergone,  for  all  must 
cross  a  bridge  which  is  said  to  be  laid  over  the 

14 


midst  of  the  infernal  regions,  and  described  to 
be  finer  than  a  hair  and  sharper  than  the  edge 
of  a  sword  :  it  is  also  beset  on  each  side  with 
briers  and  thorns,  so  that  unless  directed  and 
supported  by  the  Prophet  of  Islam  it  is  impossible 
to  pass  along  in  safety  :  hence  the  wicked,  de- 
prived of  all  guidance  and  help,  soon  miss  their 
footing,  and  fall  headlong  into  the  abyss  yawning 
beneath. 

Hell.— In  the  opinion  of  true  believers  the  abode 
of  the  wicked  is  divided  into  seven  circles,  one  below 
another,  designed  for  the  reception  of  as  many 
distinct  classes  of  lost  souls.  The  first  of  these  is 
called  J  ahannam,  a  receptacle  for  those  who  acknow- 
ledged one  God,  that  is  the  wicked  Muhammadans; 
these  after  having  there  been  punished  according 
to  their  demerits,  will  at  length  be  released.  The 
second,  named  Laza,  is  assigned  to  the  Jews  ; 
the  third,  named  al  Hutama,  to  the  Christians  ; 
the  fourth,  named  al  Sair,  to  the  Sabeans;  the 
fifth,  named  Sakar,  to  the  Magians  ;  the  sixth, 
named  al  Jahim,  to  the  idolaters  ;  and  the  seventh, 
which  is  the  lowest  and  worst  of  all,  and  is  called 
Hawiyat,  to  the  hypocrites,  or  those  who  out- 
wardly professed  some  religion,  but  in  their 
hearts  were  without  a  God.  Muhammad  has,  in 
his  Koran,  been  very  exact  in  describing  the 
various  torments  of  Hell,  which,  according  to  him, 
the  wicked  will  suffer.  It  is  considered  that 
eternity  of  damnation  is  reserved  for  infidels 
alone,  and  not  for  Muslims,  who  will  be  delivered 
from  torments  after  they  have  expiated  their 
crimes  by  their  sufferings.  Animals  will  be 
allowed  to  wreak  their  vengeance  upon  one 

15 


another,  and  then  be  changed  to  dust ;  while  un- 
believing genii  will  be  punished  eternally  in  the 
regions  of  Hell. 

Paradise. — The  joys  of  Paradise  may  be  briefly 
described  as  consisting  of  a  Garden  of  Bliss 
situated  in  the  seventh  heaven  just  under  the 
throne  of  God. 

It  is  pictured  as  beautiful  beyond  the  dreams 
of  imagination,  and  all  that  can  delight  the  heart 
or  enchant  the  senses  is  there  to  be  found — 
exquisite  jewels  and  precious  stones,  the  tree  of 
Happiness  yielding  fruits  of  size  and  taste  un- 
known to  mortals,  streams  flowing,  some  with 
water,  some  with  milk,  some  with  wine  (which, 
forbidden  in  this  life,  is  permitted  in  the  next) 
albeit  without  any  intoxicating  properties,  and 
others  with  honey.  But  all  these  glories  will 
be  eclipsed  by  the  resplendent  houris  of  Para- 
dise ;  created  not  of  clay,  as  in  the  case  of  mortal 
women,  but  of  pure  musk,  and  clad  in  magnificent 
garments,  their  charms  being  enhanced  by  the 
enjoyment  of  perpetual  youth.  Entertained  with 
the  ravishing  songs  of  the  Angel  Israfil,  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Paradise  will  enjoy  pleasures  which 
surpass  all  human  imagination.  Let  it  not  be 
supposed,  however,  that  the  happiness  of  the 
blessed  is  to  consist  wholly  in  corporeal  enjoy- 
ments ;  far  otherwise,  for  all  the  varied  pleasures 
of  Paradise  will  pale  into  insignificance  compared 
with  the  exquisite  delight  of  beholding  the  face 
of  the  Almighty,  morning  and  evening.  The  idea 
that  women  will  not  be  admitted  into  Paradise 
is  a  libel  upon  Islam,  though  admittedly  differ- 
ences of  opinion  exist  as  to  whether  or  not  they 
16 


will  pass  into  a  separate  place  of  happiness. 
Nor  is  it  anywhere  explained  whether  male 
companions  will  be  assigned  to  them.  One 
comfort,  however,  remains  to  the  fair  sex  in  that 
on  entering  Paradise  they  are  all  to  become  young 
again — an  advantage  which,  as  before  explained, 
places  them  on  an  equality  with  the  houris  of 
the  Abode  of  Bliss. 

Genii  or  Jinns. — The  Muhammadans  believe  in 
a  hierarchy  of  angelic  beings  free  from  all  sin, 
who  neither  eat  nor  drink,  and  have  no  dis- 
tinction of  sex.  Invisible — save  to  animals — they 
occasionally,  under  special  circumstances,  appear 
in  human  form. 

Angels. — Muhammadans  believe  that  there  are 
countless  millions  of  heavenly  beings  who  roam  at 
will  over  the  Universe  and  fill  the  illimitable  ex- 
panse of  space.  The  Devil,  such  is  the  teaching  of 
the  sacred  volume,  was  once  one  of  the  angels 
nearest  to  God's  presence,  but  fell,  according  to  the 
doctrine  of  the  Koran,  for  refusing  to  pay  homage  to 
Adam  at  the  command  of  the  Lord  of  Heaven.  The 
four  angels  who  are  considered  to  en  joy  God's  favour 
in  a  pre-eminent  degree  are  (i)  Gabriel,  by  whom 
the  divine  revelations  were  made  to  the  Prophet ; 
(2)  the  archangel  Michael,  charged  with  the  general 
welfare  of  mankind  ;  (3)  Azrail,  the  angel  of  death  ; 
and  (4)  Israfil,  the  angel  of  the  Resurrection. 
In  addition  to  these  are  Seraphim,  occupied  ex- 
clusively in  chanting  the  praises  of  God ;  the 
two  secretaries,  who  record  the  actions  of  men  ; 
and  the  observers,  who  spy  out  the  sayings  and 
doings  of  mankind  ;  the  travellers,  who  wander 
throughout  the  whole  earth  to  ascertain  whether 

17 


people  utter  the  name  of  God  and  pray  to  Him ; 
the  angels  of  the  seven  planets ;  the  two  guardian 
angels  appointed  to  keep  watch  over  the  world ; 
the  two  angels  of  the  grave,  and  the  nineteen  in 
charge  of  the  Infernal  Regions. 

Predestination  is  a  point  of  faith  among  Muslims, 
who  are  taught  to  believe  that  whatever  happens 
proceeds  entirely  from  the  Divine  will,  being 
irrevocably  fixed  and  recorded  in  the  tablets  of 
Eternity.  Of  this  doctrine  Muhammad  makes 
great  use  in  the  Koran,  encouraging  his  followers 
to  fight  without  fear,  and  even  desperately,  when 
the  occasion  might  require,  since  caution  is  of  no 
avail  against  the  decrees  of  Fate,  and  life  cannot 
be  prolonged  when  the  destined  hour  arrives. 

Prayer  was  by  Muhammad  thought  so  necessary 
a  duty  that  he  was  wont  to  call  it  the  pillar  of 
religion  and  the  key  of  Paradise — and  he  obliged 
his  followers  to  pray  five  times  a  day  at  certain 
stated  periods.  Public  notice  is  given  from  the 
steeples  of  the  mosques  when  these  periods  are 
at  hand,  and  then  all  good  Muslims,  turning  their 
faces  to  the  temple  of  Mecca,  prostrate  themselves 
in  adoration  before  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the 
world.  Two  peculiarities  deserve  mention — one 
that  the  Faithful,  though  the  Prophet  bids  them 
take  their  "  ornaments  to  every  mosque,"  are 
not  generally  wont  to  address  themselves  to  God 
in  sumptuous  apparel,  but  lay  aside  their  costly 
habits  and  pompous  decorations  lest  they  should 
seem  proud  and  arrogant.  The  other  is  that  they 
do  not  admit  their  women  to  worship  with  them 
in  public,  but  leave  the  gentler  sex  for  the  most 
part  to  perform  their  devotions  at  home. 
18 


"  Church  parade  "  finds  no  place  in  the  devotions 
of  Islam. 

Almsgiving  is  of  a  two-fold  description — legal 
(from  which  there  is  no  escape),  varying  from  a 
fortieth  to  a  fifth  of  the  property ;  and  voluntary, 
according  to  the  liberality  or  otherwise  of  the 
donor. 

Fasting  is  considered  a  duty  of  so  great  moment 
that  Muhammad  characterized  it  as  the  "gate  of 
religion,"  and  proclaimed  that  "  the  odour  of  the 
mouth  of  him  who  fasteth  is  more  grateful  to  God 
than  that  of  musk."  Fasting  in  the  daytime  during 
the  month  Ramazan  is  obligatory  from  the  hour 
when  the  new  moon  first  rises  till  the  appearance 
of  the  next  new  moon — and  none  are  excused 
except  travellers  and  sick  persons.  As  the  Arabian 
year  is  lunar,  of  course  each  month  runs  in  time 
through  all  the  different  seasons  of  the  solar  year ; 
accordingly,  Ramazan  at  fixed  periods  falls  in 
summer,  and  then  the  fast  is  extremely  rigorous 
and  mortifying.  On  the  expiration  of  the  allotted 
time,  the  reaction  which  sets  in  after  so  lengthened 
a  period  of  restraint  finds  vent  in  every  conceiv- 
able token  of  joy  ;  the  men  lounge  about  happy, 
merry,  and  convivial ;  while  the  fair  sex  don  their 
best  jewellery  and  brightest  attire  :  festive  songs 
and  loud  music  fill  the  air,  friends  meet,  presents 
are  distributed,  and  all  is  life,  joy,  cheerful  mirth, 
and  amusement. 

Voluntary  fasts  are  recommended  both  by 
the  example  and  approbation  of  the  Prophet,  and 
especially  in  regard  to  certain  days  of  the  months 
which  are  considered  sacred. 

A   pilgrimage  to   Mecca  is   considered  an  all- 

19  c 


important  duty,  but  is  not  absolutely  compulsory, 
inasmuch  as  though  every  Muslim  is  enjoined  to 
visit  the  Holy  City  at  least  once  during  his  life- 
time, there  is  a  saving  clause,  "  provided  able  to 
do  so."  Some  maintain  that  if  a  person  cannot 
go  himself  he  may  hire  another  to  go  in  his  stead, 
but  the  more  orthodox  consider  that  pilgrimage 
cannot  be  performed  by  proxy,  quoting  the 
example  of  Muhammad,  who,  ready  as  he  was  to 
impose  the  duty  upon  others,  was  no  less  willing 
to  accept  the  obligation  himself.  It  is  also 
worthy  of  notice  that  the  institution  had  for 
centuries  before  the  introduction  of  Islam  been 
in  vogue  in  Arabia,  and  the  Prophet  merely  lent 
to  the  custom  the  all-potent  weight  of  his  sanction 
and  approval. 

The  pilgrimage  must  be  performed  between 
the  seventh  and  tenth  days  of  the  month  known  as 
Zu'l  Hijja,  a  visit  to  Mecca  at  any  other  time 
not  having  the  full  merit  attaching  to  that  act  of 
piety  if  undertaken  at  the  enjoined  period.  After 
performing  the  pilgrimage,  the  pious  devotee  is 
entitled  to  the  coveted  title  of  Haji.  Even 
women  are  not  excused  from  the  performance  of 
the  pilgrimage,  and  a  portion  of  the  temple  at 
Mecca  is  appropriated  to  female  devotees  :  but 
the  weaker  sex  are  forbidden  to  go  alone,  and 
must  perforce  be  accompanied  by  a  husband, 
relation,  or  person  worthy  of  confidence.  After  the 
pilgrimage  is  finished  the  Hajis  generally  betake 
themselves  to  the  mosque  which  contains  the  tomb 
of  the  Prophet  at  Madina,  an  act  of  piety  which, 
though  highly  meritorious  as  an  effectual  mode 
of  drawing  near  to  God  through  his  messenger 

20 


Muhammad,  is  a  voluntary  undertaking,  at  the 
choice  and  free  will  of  the  individual.  It  is 
scarcely  possible  to  state  accurately  the  precise 
number  of  pilgrims  who  annually  repair  to  Mecca, 
but  perhaps  50,000  to  60,000  may  be  taken  as  a 
fair  average,  and  of  these  about  30,000  to  40,000 
proceed  by  sea. 

Prohibitions  may  be  briefly  classed  under  the 
following  heads : — 

(1)  The  drinking  of  wine,  under  which  name 
all    sorts    of    inebriating    liquors    are    compre- 
hended, is  forbidden  in   the   Koran.      It  is  true 
that   the   injunctions    of    the    Prophet    are  not 
infrequently    disregarded — but    the    more    con- 
scientious are  so  strict  that  they  hold  it  unlawful 
not  only  to  taste  wine  but  even'to  press  grapes  to 
make  it,  while  to  buy  or  sell  intoxicating  drinks 
would  be  repugnant  to  the  instincts  of  a  true 
Muslim. 

(2)  Gaming  is  prohibited  in  the  sacred  volume, 
and  under  this  head  are  included  all  games  which 
are  subject  to  hazard  and  chance,  such  as  dice, 
cards,    etc.     Chess,  indeed,  is    almost    the  only 
exception    to    the     general    interdiction    which 
Muslim  doctors  allow,  deeming  it  lawful  because 
it  depends  wholly  upon  skill :  but  lest  the  pieces 
used  should  be  considered  as  "  images,"  it  is  in 
some  countries  played  with  simple  blocks  of  wood 
or  ivory. 

(3)  A  distinction  of  meats  was  so  generally 
enforced  amongst  Eastern  nations,  that  it  will 
occasion  no  wonder  that  the  Koran  prohibits  the 
eating  of  blood  and  swine's  flesh,  and  whatever 
either  (a)  dies  of  itself,  (b)  is  slain  in  the  name  or 

21 


in  honour  of  any  idol,  (c)  is  strangled  or  killed  by 
a  blow  or  fall,  or  by  any  beast.  In  case  of  necessity, 
however,  when  starvation  is  imminent,  it  is  per- 
missible by  the  law  of  Islam  to  eat  any  kind  of 
food. 

(4)  Usury  is  not  allowable. 

(5)  The  practice  of  infanticide,  so  long  preva- 
lent amongst  pagan  Arabs  prior  to  the  time  of 
Muhammad,  is  condemned  in   the  Koran,  as  is 
a  custom,  common   amongst   nations  of   old.  of 
sacrificing  children  to  idols. 

(6)  The  ill-treatment  of  orphans  is  especially 
condemned  in  the  Koran. 

(7)  Tobacco  was  not  introduced  into  Turkey, 
Arabia,  and  other  parts  of  Asia  for  many  years 
after  the  time  of  Muhammad,  and  of  course  no 
direct  reference  to  its  use  is  contained  in  the 
Koran,    which    was    written    little   less    than    a 
thousand    years     before    the    drug    came    into 
general  use  in  the  East.     The  Muslim  world  is, 
however,  to  some  extent  divided  as  regards  the 
use  of  tobacco — perhaps,  indeed,  it  may  be  said, 
in  general  terms,  that  in  theory  it  is  considered 
an  unlawful  luxury,  while  in  practice  its  use  is 
more  or  less  general.      Of  course  there  are  ex- 
ceptions, notably  as   regards    the  fanatical  sect 
of  the  Wahabis,  who,   on  rising  into  power  at 
the   commencement  of   the   eighteenth   century, 
interdicted  the  use   of   a  drug  which  they  con- 
sidered   in  the    highest    degree    obnoxious   and 
objectionable. 

Marriage  amongst  Muslims  is  a  civil  rather  than 
a  religious  institution  ;  but  it  may  be  well  to 
explain  that  under  the  teaching  of  the  Koran  a 

22 


true  believer  "  may  marry  what  seems  good  to  you, 
by  twos,  or  threes,  or  fours,  and  if  ye  fear  that 
ye  cannot  be  equitable,  then  only  one,  or  what 
your  right  hands  possess " — that  is,  female 
slaves.  The  purport  of  these  injunctions  is  not 
free  from  doubt,  as  the  unlimited  number  of 
concubines,  to  which  reference  is  made,  may  be 
held  to  apply  only  to  the  case  of  one  wife.  As  a 
matter  of  fact,  however,  the  widest  interpretation 
is  generally  placed  upon  the  text  by  the  richer 
part  of  the  Muslim  community,  who  add  when  so 
disposed  to  the  maximum  of  four  wives  as  many 
concubines  as  they  think  fit,  while  the  humbler 
classes  are  mostly  content  with  a  solitary  spouse, 
though,  as  worldly  prosperity  advances,  not  in- 
frequently they  increase  the  number  of  "  slave 
girls  "  in  the  harem.  Permission  to  put  away 
wives  at  the  wish  and  desire  of  their  husbands  is 
fatally  easy,  as  the  latter  need  not  seek  justi- 
fication in  any  misconduct  on  the  part  of  the 
women  thus  dismissed  from  the  domestic  hearth. 
Practically,  however,  it  is  open  to  doubt  whether 
the  wide  freedom  of  action  under  both  heads 
sanctioned  by  the  Koran  is  a  factor  to  the  extent 
which  might  have  been  supposed  as  regards  the 
everyday  life  of  the  many  millions  who  bow  the 
knee  as  co-religionists  of  the  Prophet  of  Arabia  ; 
perhaps,  indeed,  other  injunctions  which  necessi- 
tate a  dower  and  a  return  of  money  when  separa- 
tion occurs  are  a  bar  not  less  to  plurality  of  wives, 
than  to  their  indiscriminate  divorce. 

Proselytism. — Few  commands  in  the  Koran 
are  more  clear  or  forcible  than  the  direction  to 
extend  the  Muslim  religion  at  the  point  of  the 

23 


sword,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  conceive  a 
precept  which  would  appeal  more  powerfully  to  the 
instincts  of  the  race  to  whom  it  was  addressed. 
"  The  Koran  or  the  Sword "  is  an  alternative 
which  meets  the  eye  on  every  page  of  the  history 
of  Islam.  To  press  upon  the  warriors  of  Arabia 
the  need  for  fighting  would  seem  almost  a  work 
of  supererogation  ;  but  to  hold  out  the  bliss  of 
Paradise  as  a  reward  for  those  who  should  fall 
on  the  battle-field  of  the  faith,  was  a  potent  means 
for  securing  a  religious  revival  such  as  the  world 
has  scarcely,  if  ever,  witnessed.  It  is  also 
worthy  of  note  that  to  this  free  use  of  the 
sword  enjoined  by  the  Prophet  of  Arabia,  is 
due  the  extension  of  his  religion,  which  as 
years  rolled  on  spread  far  and  wide  amongst 
the  nations  of  the  earth.  It  was  no  longer 
the  faith  of  a  tribe,  but  one  of  the  religions  of 
the  world — a  powerful  factor  in  the  history  of 
mankind. 

Such,  in  briefest  outline,  is  the  religion  of 
Islam.  To  examine  it  fairly  the  critic  must 
remember  the  circumstances  and  the  surroundings 
in  which  it  was  founded.  Be  it  then  kept  in  mind 
that  the  greater  portion  of  Arabia  is  an  arid 
territory  with  stretches  of  parched,  inhospitable 
sands,  affording  but  scanty  support  for  man  or 
beast ;  this  being  so,  can  it  be  wondered  at  that 
the  Paradise  held  out  to  the  denizens  of  such  a 
spot  is  a  land  with  flowing  rivers  and  all  the  con- 
comitants which  follow  in  the  wake  of  the  greatest 
of  all  boons  in  a  tropical  clime  —  a  pure  limpid 
stream  spreading  delights  alike  to  the  eye  as  to 
the  body,  and  enriching  nature  with  all  the 
24 


beauties  of  shade  and  the  charms  of  fertility. 
Further,  in  a  land  with  Eastern  love  of  orna- 
mentation and  garments  decked  with  superb 
jewels  and  brilliant  gems,  should  it  be  a  source 
of  astonishment  or  occasion  for  marvel  that  the 
blessed  in  the  Paradise  of  Islam  are  to  be  adorned 
with  bracelets  of  gold,  and  clothed  with  robes  of 
green  silk  and  brocade  ?  The  delights  of  Heaven 
are  in  this  respect  but  a  reflex  of  the  joys  of 
Earth. 

That  the  Religion  of  the  Muslim  Prophet  is 
sensual  can  scarcely  be  denied  ;  though  even  from 
this  point  of  view  it  must  not  be  overlooked 
that  in  the  early  ages  of  the  religion  of  Islam  its 
votaries  were  engaged  in  a  constant  struggle  with 
the  peoples  by  whom  they  were  surrounded,  and 
the  indulgence  of  the  permitted  number  of  four 
wives  practically  in  those  days  meant  but  little 
more  than  a  spouse  in  each  of  the  towns  where 
the  husband  was  righting  "  the  good  fight  with  all 
his  might."  Truth  also  forces  the  admission  that 
it  is  not  easy  to  realise  what  is  to  happen  at  the 
re-union  of  husband  and  wife  on  entering  Para- 
dise, seeing  that  the  former  is  allowed  to  be  capti- 
vated with  the  charms  of  the  resplendent  houris, 
whose  perpetual  beauty,  albeit  one  of  the  delights 
of  the  Abode  of  Bliss,  is  scarcely  likely  to  appeal 
to  the  fair  sex  translated  from  Earth  to  Heaven, 
who  might  perchance  have  preferred  that  they 
alone  should  possess  a  blessing  which  they  would 
gladly  have  found  denied  to  their  rivals.  Can 
it  be,  that  as  in  this  terrestrial  sphere  a  Muham- 
madan  wife  is  content  to  be  one  amongst  others, 
she  would  be  happy  and  content  were  she  to  be 

25 


assigned  in  Heaven  a  role  which  is  but  a  con- 
tinuation in  the  next  world  of  the  position 
assigned  to  her  in  the  realms  on  Earth  ?  To  give 
an  answer  is  not  possible — till  the  Great  Here- 
after solves  a  problem  of  the  Muslim  faith  which 
must  ever  remain  incapable  of  solution  on  this 
side  of  the  grave. 

If  this  much  is  said  in  a  spirit  of  criticism,  it  is 
but  fair  to  add  that  the  Prophet  of  Arabia  did 
superb  service  to  the  cause  of  religion  by  sweeping 
away  the  worship  of  idols,  and  proclaiming  that 
there  is  but  one  God  who  alone  is  to  be  adored. 
That  the  mission  of  Muhammad  had  its  imper- 
fections is  scarcely  open  to  doubt :  but  no  less 
must  it  be  admitted  that  his  aims  were  lofty,  and 
his  conceptions  noble  ;  while  the  Koran  which 
embodied  the  faith  which  he  proclaimed  must 
ever  remain  a  testimony  to  an  inspiration  which, 
if  human,  is  so  rare  as  to  justify  the  claim  that 
it  was  little  less  than  divine. 


A.  N.  WOLLASTON. 


GLEN  HILL, 
WALMER,  October  1904. 


EXTRACTS 
FROM    THE    KORAN 


THE   KORAN 

/CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  i.— In  the  name  of  the 
V_x  Merciful  and  Compassionate  God 

That  is  the  Book  !  there  is  no  doubt  therein  ; 
a  guide  to  the  pious,  who  believe  in  the  unseen, 
and  are  steadfast  in  prayer,  and  of  what  we 
have  given  them  expend  in  alms  ;  who  believe  in 
what  is  revealed  to  thee,  and  what  was  revealed 
before  thee,  and  of  the  hereafter  they  are  sure. 
These  are  in  guidance  from  their  Lord,  and  these 
are  the  prosperous. 

Chapter  VI. ,  Verse  109. — They  swore  by  God 
with  their  most  strenuous  oath,  that  if  there  come 
to  them  a  sign  they  will  indeed  believe  therein. 
Say,  "  Signs  are  only  in  God's  hands :  but  what 
will  make  you  understand  that,  even  when  one 
has  come,  they  will  not  believe  ?  " 

(no). — We  will  overturn  their  hearts  and  their 
eyesights,  even  as  they  believed  not  at  first ; 
and  we  will  leave  them,  in  their  rebellion,  blindly 
wandering  on. 

And  had  we  sent  down  unto  them  the  angels,  or 
27  D 


the  dead  had  spoken  to  them,  or  we  had  gathered 
everything  unto  them  in  hosts,  they  would  not 
have  believed  unless  that  God  pleased — but  most 
of  them  are  ignorant. 

So  have  we  made  for  every  prophet  an  enemy, 
devils  of  men  and  jinns  ;  some  of  them  inspire 
others  with  specious  speech  to  lead  astray  ;  but 
had  thy  Lord  pleased  they  would  not  have  done  it ; 
so  leave  them  with  what  they  do  devise. 

And  let  the  hearts  of  those  who  believe  not  in 
the  hereafter  listen  to  it ;  and  let  them  be  well 
pleased  with  it ;  and  let  them  gain  what  they  may 
gain! 

Of  other  than  God  shall  I  crave  a  decree,  when 
it  is  He  who  has  sent  down  to  you  the  Book  in 
detail,  and  those  to  whom  we  gave  the  Book 
know  that  it  is  sent  down  from  thy  Lord  in  truth  ? 
be  thou  not  then  of  those  who  doubt. 

(115). — The  words  of  thy  Lord  are  fulfilled  in 
truth  and  justice  ;  there  is  none  to  change  His 
words,  for  He  both  hears  and  knows. 

Chapter  VII.,  Verse  201. — Shouldst  thou  not 
bring  them  a  sign,  they  say,  "Hast  thou  not  yet 
made  choice  of  one  ?  "  Say,  "  I  only  follow  what 
is  inspired  to  me  by  my  Lord.  These  are  per- 
ceptions from  my  Lord,  and  a  guidance  and  a 
mercy  to  a  people  who  believe." 

And  when  the  Koran  is  read,  then  listen  thereto 
and  keep  silence  ;  haply  ye  may  obtain  mercy. 

Chapter  X.,  Verse  38. — This  Koran  could  not 
have  been  devised  by  any  beside  God  ;  but  it 
verifies  that  which  was  before  it,  and  details  the 
Book — there  is  no  doubt  therein — from  the  Lord 
of  the  worlds. 

28 


Do  they  say,  "  He  hath  devised  it  ?  "  Say  then, 
"  Bring  a  verse  like  it, — and  call,  if  ye  can,  on 
other  than  God,  if  ye  do  tell  the  truth  !  " 

Chapter  XVII.,  Verse  90.— Say,  "  If  mankind 
and  jinns  united  together  to  bring  the  like  of  this 
Koran,  they  could  not  bring  the  like,  though  they 
should  back  each  other  up  !  " 

We  have  turned  about  for  men  in  this  Koran 
every  parable,  but  most  men  refuse  to  accept  it, 
save  ungratefully. 

And  they  say,  "  We  will  by  no  means  believe 
in  thee,  until  there  gush  forth  for  thee  a  fountain 
from  the  earth  ;  or  there  be  made  for  thee  a 
garden  of  palms  and  grapes,  and  rivers  come 
gushing  out  amidst  them  ;  or  thou  make  the  sky 
to  fall  down  upon  us  in  pieces  ;  or  thou  bring  us 
God  and  the  angels  before  us ;  (95)  or  there  be 
made  for  thee  a  house  of  gold ;  or  thou  climb  up 
into  the  heaven  ;  and  even  then  we  will  not 
believe  in  thy  climbing  there,  until  thou  send 
down  on  us  a  book  that  we  may  read  !  " 

Chapter  XLL,  Verse  i. — In  the  name  of  the 
Merciful  and  Compassionate  God. 

A  revelation  from  the  Merciful,  the  Compas- 
sionate ;  a  book  whose  signs  are  detailed ;  an 
Arabic  Koran  for  a  people  who  do  know  ;  a  herald 
of  glad  tidings  and  a  warning. 

Chapter  LIII.,  Verse  i. — In  the  name  of  the 
Merciful  and  Compassionate  God. 

By  the  star  when  it  falls,  your  comrade  errs  not, 
nor  is  he  deluded  !  nor  speaks  he  out  of  lust  !  It 
is  but  an  inspiration  inspired  !  (5)  One  mighty  in 
power  taught  him,  endowed  with  sound  understand- 
ing, and  appeared,  he  being  in  the  loftiest  tract. 

29 


UNITY  OF  GOD 

CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  256.— God,  there  is  no 
\^s  god  but  He,  the  living,  the  self-subsistent. 
Slumber  takes  Him  not,  nor  sleep.  His  is  what 
is  in  the  heavens  and  what  is  in  the  earth.  Who 
is  it  that  intercedes  with  Him  save  by  His  per- 
mission ?  He  knows  what  is  before  them  and 
what  behind  them,  and  they  comprehend  not 
aught  of  His  knowledge  but  of  what  He  pleases. 
His  throne  extends  over  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  and  it  tires  Him  not  to  guard  them  both, 
for  He  is  high  and  grand. 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  51. — Verily,  God  pardons 
not  associating  aught  with  Him,  but  He  pardons 
anything  short  of  that  to  whomsoever  He  pleases  : 
but  he  who  associates  aught  with  God,  he  hath 
devised  a  mighty  sin. 

Chapter  VII.,"  Verse  190. — Will  they  associate 
with  Him  those  who  cannot  create  aught,  but  are 
themselves  created,  which  have  no  power  to  help 
them,  and  cannot  even  help  themselves  ? 

But  if  ye  call  them  unto  guidance  they  will  not 
follow  you.  It  is  the  same  to  them  if  Thou  dost 
call  them,  or  if  Thou  dost  hold  Thy  tongue. 

Those  whom  ye  call  on  other  than  God  are 
servants  like  yourselves.  Call  on  them  then, 
30 


and  let  them  answer  you,  if  so  be  ye  tell  the 
truth  !  Have  they  feet  to  walk  with  ?  or  have 
they  hands  to  hold  with  ?  or  have  they  eyes  to 
see  with  ?  or  have  they  ears  to  hear  with  ?  Call 
upon  your  partners ;  then  plot  against  me,  and  do 
not  wait. 

(195). — Verily,  my  patron  is  God,  who  hath  sent 
down  the  Book,  and  He  is  the  patron  of  the 
righteous.  But  those  whom  ye  call  on  beside  Him 
cannot  help  you,  nor  can  they  even  help  them- 
selves. But  if  ye  call  them  unto  the  guidance 
they  will  not  hear,  thou  mayest  see  them  looking 
towards  thee,  yet  they  do  not  see.  Take  to 
pardon,  and  order  what  is  kind,  and  shun  the 
ignorant  ;  and  if  an  incitement  from  the  devil 
incites  you,  then  seek  refuge  in  God  ;  verily,  He 
both  hears  and  knows. 

Chapter  XIII.,  Verse  15.— On  Him  is  the  call  of 
truth,  and  those  who  call  on  others  than  Him 
shall  not  be  answered  at  all,  save  as  one  who 
stretches  out  his  hand  to  the  water  that  it  may 
reach  his  mouth,  but  it  reaches  it  not !  The  call 
of  the  misbelievers  is  only  in  error. 

And  God  do  those  who  are  in  the  heavens  and 
the  earth  adore,  whether  they  will  or  no  !  As  do 
their  shadows  also  morn  and  eve. 

Say,  "  Who  is  Lord  of  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  ?  "  Say  "  God."  Say,  "  Do  ye  take  beside 
God  patrons  who  cannot  control  profit  or  harm 
for  themselves  ?  "  Say,  "  Shall  the  blind  and 
the  seeing  be  held  equal  ?  or  shall  the  darkness 
and  the  light  be  held  equal  ?  or  have  they  made 
associates  with  God  who  can  create  as  He  creates, 
so  that  the  creation  seem  familiar  to  them  ?  " 

31 


Say,  "  God  is  the  creator  of  everything,  and  He 
is  the  one,  the  dominant." 

Chapter  XVII.,  Verse  23.— Put  not  with  God 
other  gods,  or  thou  wilt  sit  despised  and  for- 
saken. 

Chapter  XIX.,  Verse  91. — They  say,  "  The 
Merciful  has  taken  to  Himself  a  son  "  :  ye  have 
brought  a  monstrous  thing  !  The  heavens  well- 
nigh  burst  asunder  thereat,  and  the  earth  is  riven, 
and  the  mountains  fall  down  broken,  that  they 
attribute  to  the  Merciful  a  sonj  But  it  becomes 
not  the  Merciful  to  take  to  Himself  a  son  !  There 
is  none  in  the  heavens  or  the  earth  but  comes 
to  the  Merciful  as  a  servant ;  He  counts  them  and 
numbers  them  by  number,  (95)  and  they  are  all 
coming  to  Him  on  the  resurrection  day  singly. 

Chapter  XXVII. ,  Verse  60.— Say,  "Praise 
belongs  to  God  ;  and  peace  be  upon  His  servants 
whom  He  has  chosen  !  Is  God  best,  or  what  they 
associate  with  Him  ? "  He  who  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  ;  and  sends  down  upon  you  from 
the  heaven  water  ;  and  we  cause  to  grow  therewith 
gardens  fraught  with  beauty  ;  ye  could  not  cause 
the  trees  thereof  to  grow  !  Is  there  a  god  with 
God  ?  nay,  but  they  are  a  people  who  make  peers 
with  Him  !  He  who  made  the  earth,  settled,  and 
placed  amongst  it  rivers  ;  and  placed  upon  it 
firm  mountains  ;  and  placed  between  the  two  seas 
a  barrier  ;  is  there  a  god  with  God  ?  nay,  but  most 
of  them  know  not !  He  who  answers  the  distressed 
when  he  calls  upon  Him  and  removes  the  evil ; 
and  makes  you  successors  in  the  earth  ;  is  there 
a  god  with  God  ?  Little  is  it  that  ye  are  mindful. 
He  who  guides  you  in  the  darkness,  of  the  land 
32 


and  of  the  sea  ;  and  who  sends  winds  as  glad 
tidings  before  His  mercy;  is  there  a  god  with  God  ? 
exalted  be  God  above  what  they  associate  with 
Him  !  (65)  He  who  began  the  creation  and  then 
will  make  it  return  again  ;  and  who  provides  you 
from  the  heavens  and  the  earth  ;  is  there  a  god 
with  God  ?  so  bring  your  proofs  if  ye  do  speak 
the  truth." 

Chapter  CXI  I.,  Verse  i. — In  the  name  of  the 
Merciful  and  Compassionate  God 

Say,  "  He  is  God  alone  ! 

"  God  the  Eternal ! 

"  He  begets  not  and  is  not  begotten  ! 

"  Nor  is  there  like  unto  Him  any  one  !  " 


33 


MUHAMMAD  THE  APOSTLE  OF  GOD 

CHAPTER  III.,  Verse  136.— Muhammad  is 
\^s  but  an  apostle  ;  apostles  have  passed  away 
before  his  time ;  what  if  he  die  or  is  killed,  will 
ye  retreat  upon  your  heels  ?  He  who  retreats  upon 
his  heels  does  no  harm  to  God  at  all ;  but  God 
will  recompense  the  thankful.  It  is  not  for  any 
soul  to  die,  save  by  God's  permission  written 
down  for  an  appointed  time  ;  but  he  who  wishes  for 
the  reward  of  this  world  we  will  give  him  of  it, 
and  he  who  wishes  for  the  reward  of  the  future  we 
will  give  him  of  it,  and  we  will  recompense  the 
grateful. 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  164. — But  God  bears  witness 
to  what  He  has  revealed  to  thee  ;  He  revealed  it 
in  His  knowledge,  and  the  angels  bear  witness 
too,  though  God  is  witness  enough. 

(165). — Verily,  those  who  misbelieve  and  ob- 
struct the  way  of  God,  have  erred  a  wide 
error. 

Verily,  those  who  misbelieve  and  are  unjust, 
God  will  not  pardon  them,  nor  will  He  guide  them 
on  the  road — save  the  road  to  Hell,  to  dwell  therein 
for  aye  ;  that  is  easy  enough  to  God ! 

O  ye  folk  !  the  Apostle  has  come  to  you  with 
truth  from  your  Lord  ;  believe  then,  for  it  is 

34 


better  for  you.  But  if  ye  misbelieve,  then  God's 
is  what  is  in  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  God 
is  knowing,  wise. 

Chapter  VI.,  Verse  49. — We  do  not  send  our 
messengers  save  as  heralds  of  glad  tidings  and  of 
warning,  and  whoso  believes  and  acts  aright, 
there  is  no  fear  for  them,  and  they  shall  not  be 
grieved,  but  those  who  say  our  signs  are  lies, 
torment  shall  touch  them,  for  that  they  have 
done  so  wrong. 

(50). — Say,  "I  do  not  say  to  you,  mine  are 
the  treasuries  of  God,  nor  that  I  know  the  unseen  ; 
I  do  not  say  to  you,  I  am  an  angel — if  I  follow 
aught  but  what  I  am  inspired  with ;  "  say,  "  Is 
the  blind  equal  to  him  who  sees  ?  "  What !  do 
ye  not  reflect  ? 

Admonish  therewith  those  who  fear  that  they 
shall  be  gathered  unto  their  Lord  ;  there  is  no 
patron  for  them  but  Him,  and  no  intercessor  ; 
haply  they  may  fear. 

Repulse  not  those  who  call  upon  their  Lord  in 
the  morning  and  in  the  evening,  desiring  His  face  ; 
they  have  no  reckoning  against  thee  at  all,  and 
thou  hast  no  reckoning  against  them  at  all; 
repulse  them  and  thou  wilt  be  of  the  unjust. 

So  have  we  tried  some  of  them  by  others,  that 
they  may  say,  "  Are  these  those  unto  whom  God 
has  been  gracious  amongst  ourselves  ?  "  Does 
not  God  know  those  who  give  thanks  ? 

And  when  those  who  believe  in  our  signs  come 
to  thee,  say,  "  Peace  be  on  you  !  God  hath  pre- 
scribed for  Himself  mercy  ;  verily,  he  of  you  who 
does  evil  in  ignorance,  and  then  turns  again  and 
does  right, — verily,  He  is  forgiving  and  merciful. 

35  E 


(55)- — Thus  do  we  detail  our  signs,  that  the 
way  of  the  sinners  may  be  made  plain. 

Say,  "  I  am  forbidden  to  worship  those  ye  call 
upon  beside  God  ;  "  say,  "  I  will  not  follow  your 
lusts,  for  then  should  I  err  and  not  be  of  the 
guided." 

Say,  "  I  stand  on  a  manifestation  from  my  Lord, 
which  ye  call  a  lie.  I  have  not  with  me  what  ye 
fain  would  hasten  on,  that  the  matter  might  be 
settled  between  me  and  you ;  but  God  knows 
best  who  are  the  unjust." 

Chapter  XXXIIL,  Verse  40.— Muhammad  is 
not  the  father  of  any  of  your  men,  but  the  Apostle 
of  God,  and  the  Seal  of  the  Prophets  ;  for  God 
all  things  doth  know  ! 


RESURRECTION 

/CHAPTER  III.,  Verse  182.— Every  soul  must 
V_y  taste  of  death ;  and  ye  shall  only  be  paid 
your  hire  upon  the  resurrection  day. 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  89. — God,  there  is  no  God 
but  He !  He  will  surely  assemble  you  on  the 
resurrection  day,  there  is  no  doubt  therein ;  who 
is  truer  than  God  in  His  discourse  ? 

Chapter  XL,  Verse  19. — Whosoever  shall  wish 
for  the  life  of  this  world  and  its  ornaments,  we 
will  pay  them  their  works  therein,  and  they  shall 
not  be  cheated.  These  are  those  for  whom  there 
is  nothing  in  the  hereafter  save  the  Fire ;  and 
void  is  what  they  made  therein,  and  vain  what 
they  were  doing  ! 

Chapter  XIV.,  Verse  49. — Think  then  not  in- 
deed that  God  fails  in  His  promise  to  His  apostles  ; 
verily,  God  is  mighty,  the  Lord  of  vengeance  ;  on 
the  day  when  the  earth  shall  be  changed  for 
another  earth,  and  the  heavens  too  ;  and  (all)  shall 
go  forth  unto  God,  the  one,  the  dominant. 

(50). — Thou  shalt  see  the  sinners  on  that  day 
bound  together  in  fetters  ;  with  shirts  of  pitch, 
and  fire  covering  their  faces ;  that  God  may 
reward  each  soul  according  to  what  it  has  earned  ; 
verily,  God  is  swift  at  reckoning  up  ! 

37 


Chapter  XVI.,  Verse  34. — To  those  whom  the 
angels  take  off  in  a  goodly  state  they  shall  say, 
"  Peace  be  upon  you  !  enter  ye  into  Paradise  for 
that  which  ye  have  done." 

Chapter  XVII.,  Verse  52.— They  say,  "  What ! 
when  we  have  become  bones  and  rubbish  are  we 
to  be  raised  up  a  new  creature  ?  "  Say,  "  Be  ye 
stones  or  iron,  or  a  creature,  the  greatest  your 
breasts  can  conceive  !  "  Then  they  shall  say, 
"  Who  is  to  restore  us  ?  "  Say,  "  He  who  origin- 
ated you  at  first ;  "  and  they  will  wag  their 
heads  and  say,  "  When  will  that  be  ? "  Say, 
"  It  may  perhaps  be  nigh." 

Chapter  XXL,  Verse  49. — We  will  place  just 
balances  upon  the  resurrection  day,  and  no  soul 
shall  be  wronged  at  all,  even  though  it  be  the 
weight  of  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  we  will  bring 
it  ;  for  we  are  good  enough  at  reckoning  up. 

Chapter  XXIII.,  Verse  104.— And  when  the 
trumpet  shall  be  blown,  and  there  shall  be  no 
relation  between  them  on  that  day,  nor  shall 
they  beg  of  each  other  then  ! 

(105). — And  he  whose  scales  are  heavy, — they 
are  the  prosperous  ;  but  he  whose  scales  are  light, — 
these  are  they  who  love  themselves,  in  hell  to 
dwell  for  aye  !  The  fire  shall  scorch  their  faces, 
and  they  shall  curl  their  lips  therein  !  "  Were  not 
My  signs  recited  to  you  ?  and  ye  said  that  they 
were  lies  !  "  They  say,  "  Our  Lord  !  our  misery 
overcame  us,  and  we  were  a  people  who  did  err  ! 
Our  Lord  :  take  us  out  therefrom,  and  if  we  return 
(i.e.  to  our  evil  ways)  then  shall  we  be  unjust." 

Chapter  LXXV.,  Verse  35.— Is  not  He  able 
to  quicken  the  dead  ? 

38 


Chapter  III.,  Verse  190. — "  Lord  !  verily,  we 
heard  a  crier  calling  to  the  faith, '  Believe  in  your 
Lord,'  and  we  did  believe.  Lord  !  forgive  us  our 
sins  and  cover  our  offences,  and  let  us  die  with  the 
righteous.  Lord  !  and  bring  us  what  Thou  hast 
promised  us  by  Thy  apostles,  and  disgrace  us 
not  upon  the  resurrection  day  ;  for,  verily,  Thou 
dost  not  break  Thy  promises  !  "  And  the  Lord 
shall  answer  them,  "  I  waste  not  the  works  of  a 
worker  amongst  you,  be  it  male  or  female, — one 
of  you  is  from  the  other." 


39 


HELL 

CHAPTER  IV.,  Verse  18.— But  whoso  rebels 
\^_s  against  God  and  His  Apostle,  and  trans- 
gresses His  bounds,  He  will  make  him  enter  into 
fire,  and  dwell  therein  for  aye ;  and  for  him  is 
shameful  woe. 

Chapter  IX.,  Verse  69. — God  has  promised 
unto  the  hypocrites,  men  and  women,  and  unto 
the  misbelievers,  hell-fire,  to  dwell  therein  for 
aye ;  it  is  enough  for  them  !  God  shall  curse 
them,  and  theirs  shall  be  enduring  woe. 

Chapter  X.,  Verse  28. — But,  as  for  those  who 
have  earned  ill,  the  reward  of  evil  is  the  like 
thereof ;  abasement  shall  cover  them  !  they  shall 
have  none  to  defend  them  against  God  ;  as  though 
their  faces  were  veiled  with  the  deep  darkness  of 
the  night ;  these  are  the  Fellows  of  the  Fire,  and 
they  shall  dwell  therein  for  aye. 

Chapter  XL,  Verse  120.—"  I  will  surely  fill  Hell 
with  jinns  and  mankind  altogether." 

Chapter  XIV.,  Verse  19. — Then  they  asked  for 
an  issue  ;  and  disappointed  was  every  rebel  tyrant. 
Behind  such  a  one  is  Hell,  and  he  shall  be  given 
to  drink  liquid  pus.  (20)  He  shall  try  to  swallow 
it,  but  cannot  gulp  it  down  ;  and  death  shall  come 
40 


upon  him  from  every  place,  and  yet  he  shall  not 
die  ;  and  behind  him  shall  be  rigorous  woe  ! 

Chapter  XV.,  Verse  44.— It  (Hell)  has  seven 
doors  ;  at  every  door  is  there  a  separate  party  of 
them. 

Chapter  XVIII.,  Verse  28.— But  say,  "The 
truth  is  from  your  Lord,  so  let  him  who  will, 
believe  ;  and  let  him  who  will,  disbelieve."  Verily, 
we  have  prepared  for  the  evil-doers  a  fire,  sheets 
of  which  shall  encompass  them  ;  and  if  they  cry 
for  help,  they  shall  be  helped  with  water  like 
molten  brass,  which  shall  roast  their  faces — an  ill 
drink  and  an  evil  couch  ! 

Chapter  XXII.,  Verse  20. — These  are  two  dis- 
putants who  dispute  about  their  Lord,  but  those 
who  misbelieve,  for  them  are  cut  out  garments 
of  fire,  there  shall  be  poured  over  their  heads 
boiling  water,  wherewith  what  is  in  their  bellies 
shall  be  dissolved  and  their  skins  too,  and  for 
them  are  maces  of  iron.  Whenever  they  desire 
to  come  forth  therefrom,  through  pain,  they 
are  sent  back  into  it ;  "  And  taste  ye  the  torment 
of  the  burning  !  " 

Chapter  XXXV.,  Verse  32.— But  those  who 
misbelieve,  for  them  is  the  fire  of  Hell ;  it  shall 
not  be  decreed  for  them  to  die,  nor  shall  aught 
of  the  torment  be  lightened  from  them  ;  thus  do 
we  reward  every  misbeliever. 

Chapter  XXXVIL,  Verse  60.— Is  that  better 
as  an  entertainment,  or  the  infernal  tree  of  the 
Infernal  Regions  ?  Verily,  we  have  made  it  a 
trial  to  the  unjust.  Verily,  it  is  a  tree  that  comes 
forth  from  the  bottom  of  Hell ;  its  spathe  is  as  it 
were  the  heads  of  devils  ;  verily,  they  shall  eat 

41 


therefrom,  and  fill  their  bellies  therefrom.  (65) 
Then  shall  they  have  upon  it  a  mixture  of  boiling 
water  ;  then,  verily,  their  return  shall  be  to  Hell. 

Chapter  LXX.,  Verse  15. — Nay,  verily,  it  is  a 
flame — dragging  by  the  scalp  !  it  shall  call  those 
who  retreated  and  turned  their  backs,  and  who 
amassed  and  hoarded  ! 

Chapter  LXXVIIL,  Verse  24.— Verily,  Hell  is 
an  ambuscade,  a  reward  for  the  outrageous,  to 
tarry  therein  for  ages.  They  shall  not  taste 
therein  cool  nor  drink,  (25)  but  only  boiling  water 
and  pus — a  fit  reward  ! 


PARADISE 

CHAPTER  III.,  Verse  14.— Say,  "  But  shall 
we  tell  you  of  a  better  thing  than  this  ?  " 
For  those  who  fear  are  gardens  with  their  Lord, 
beneath  which  rivers  flow  ;  they  shall  dwell  therein 
for  aye,  and  pure  wives  and  grace  from  God. 

Chapter  III.,  Verse  125. — And  vie  with  one 
another  for  pardon  from  your  Lord,  and  for 
Paradise,  the  breadth  of  which  is  as  the  heaven 
and  the  earth,  prepared  for  those  who  fear  ;  for 
those  who  expend  in  alms,  in  prosperity  and 
adversity,  for  those  who  repress  their  rage,  and 
those  who  pardon  men  ;  God  loves  the  kind. 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  123. — But  he  who  doeth 
good  works — be  it  male  or  female — and  believes, 
they  shall  enter  into  Paradise,  and  they  shall  not 
be  wronged  a  jot. 

Chapter  VII.,  Verse  44. — And  betwixt  the  two 
there  is  a  veil,  .  .  . 

But  the  Fellows  of  the  Fire  shall  cry  out  to  the 
Fellows  of  Paradise,  "  Pour  out  upon  us  water, 
or  something  of  what  God  has  provided  you  with." 
They  will  say,  "  God  has  prohibited  them  both 
to  those  who  misbelieve  ;  who  took  their  religion 
for  a  sport  and  a  play ;  whom  the  life  of  the 
world  beguiled  !  "  To-day  do  we  forget  them  as 

43  F 


they  forgot  the  meeting  of  this  day,  and  for  that 
they  did  deny  our  signs  ! 

Chapter  IX.,  Verse  73. — God  has  promised  to 
believers,  men  and  women,  gardens  beneath  which 
rivers  flow,  to  dwell  therein  for  aye ;  and  goodly 
places  in  the  garden  of  Eden,  but  good  -  will 
from  God  is  the  greatest  of  all !  that  is  the  mighty 
happiness ! 

Chapter  XIII.,  Verse  20.— Those  who  fulfil 
God's  covenant  and  break  not  the  compact,  and 
those  who  attain  what  God  has  bidden  to  be 
attained,  and  dread  their  Lord  and  fear  the  evil 
reckoning  up  ;  and  those  who  are  patient,  craving 
their  Lord's  face,  and  are  steadfast  in  prayer, 
and  expend  in  alms  of  what  we  have  bestowed 
upon  them  secretly  and  openly,  and  ward  off  evil 
with  good — these  shall  have  the  recompense  of 
the  abode,  gardens  of  Eden,  into  which  they  shall 
enter  with  the  righteous  amongst  their  fathers, 
and  their  wives,  and  their  seed  ;  and  the  angels 
shall  enter  in  unto  them  from  every  gate  :  "  Peace 
be  upon  you  !  for  that  ye  were  patient,  and  goodly 
is  the  recompense  of  the  abode  !  " 

Chapter  XVIII. ,  Verse  30.— These,  for  them 
are  gardens  of  Eden  ;  beneath  them  rivers  flow  ; 
they  shall  be  adorned  therein  with  bracelets  of 
gold,  and  shall  wear  green  robes  of  silk,  and  of 
brocade  ;  reclining  therein  on  thrones  ;  pleasant  is 
the  reward,  and  goodly  the  couch  ! 

Chapter  XXXV.,  Verse  30. — Gardens  of  Eden 
shall  they  enter,  adorned  therein  with  bracelets 
of  gold  and  pearls  ;  and  their  garments  therein 
shall  be  silk  ;  and  they  shall  say,  "  Praise  belongs 
to  God,  who  has  removed  from  us  our  grief, 

44 


verily,  our  Lord  is  forgiving,  grateful !  who  has 
made  us  alight  in  an  enduring  abode  of  His  grace, 
wherein  no  toil  shall  touch  us,  and  there  shall  touch 
us  no  fatigue." 

Chapter  XXXVL,  Verse  55.— Verily,  the 
Fellows  of  Paradise  upon  that  day  shall  be  em- 
ployed in  enjoyment ;  they  and  their  wives,  in 
shade  upon  thrones,  reclining ;  therein  shall 
they  have  fruits,  and  they  shall  have  what  they 
may  call  for.  "  Peace ! "  a  speech  from  the 
merciful  Lord  ! 

Chapter  XXXVII.,  Verse  39.— Except  God's 
sincere  servants  (40)  these  shall  have  a  stated 
provision  of  fruits,  and  they  shall  be  honoured 
in  the  gardens  of  pleasure,  upon  couches  facing 
each  other  ;  they  shall  be  served  all  round  with  a 
cup  from  a  spring  (45)  white  and  delicious  to  those 
who  drink,  wherein  is  no  insidious  spirit,  nor  shall 
they  be  drunk  therewith  ;  and  with  them  damsels, 
restraining  their  looks,  large-eyed,  as  though  they 
were  a  sheltered  egg. 

Chapter  XL.,  Verse  44. — And  whoso  does  right, 
be  it  male  or  female  and  a  believer,  these  shall 
enter  into  Paradise  ;  they  shall  be  provided  therein 
without  count. 

Chapter  XLIV.,  Verse  51. — Verily,  the  pious 
shall  be  in  a  safe  place  !  in  gardens  and  springs, 
they  shall  be  clad  in  satin  and  stout  silk,  face  to 
face — Thus  ! — and  we  wih1  wed  them  to  bright  and 
large-eyed  maids  !  (55)  They  shall  call  therein 
for  every  fruit  in  safety.  They  shall  not  taste 
therein  of  death  save  their  first  death,  and  We 
wih1  keep  them  from  the  torment  of  Hell !  Grace 
from  thy  Lord,  that  is  the  grand  bliss ! 

45 


Chapter  LVL,  Verse  (10). 

And  the  foremost  foremost ! 

These  are  they  who  are  brought  nigh, 

In  gardens  of  pleasure  ! 

A  crowd  of  those  of  yore, 

And  a  few  of  those  of  the  latter  day  ! 

(15)  And  gold- weft  couches,  reclining  on  them 
face  to  face. 

Around  them  shall  go  eternal  youths,  with 
goblets  and  ewers  and  a  cup  of  flowing  wine  ;  no 
headache  shall  they  feel  therefrom,  nor  shall  their 
wits  be  dimmed  ! 

(20)  And  fruits  such  as  they  deem  the  best ; 

And  flesh  of  fowl  as  they  desire  ; 

And  bright  and  large-eyed  maids  like  hidden 
pearls  ; 

A  reward  for  that  which  they  have  done  ! 

They  shall  hear  no  folly  there  and  no  sin  ; 

(25)  Only  the  speech,  "  Peace,  Peace  !  " 

And  the  fellows  of  the  right — what  right  lucky 
fellows  ! 

Amid  thornless  lote  trees. 

And  banana  trees  with  piles  of  fruit ; 

And  outspread  shade, 

(30)  And  water  out-poured  ; 

And  fruit  in  abundance,  neither  failing  nor 
forbidden  ; 

And  beds  upraised  ! 

Verily,  we  have  produced  them  a  production  ; 
(35)  And  made  them  virgins,  darlings  of  equal 
age  (with  their  spouses)  for  the  fellows  of  the 
right !  A  crowd  of  those  of  yore  and  a  crowd  of 
those  of  the  latter  day  ! 

Chapter  LXXVL,  Verse  n.— And  God  will 
46 


guard  them  from  the  evil  of  that  day  and  will 
cast  on  them  brightness  and  joy  ;  and  their  reward 
for  their  patience  shall  be  Paradise  and  silk  ! 
reclining  therein  upon  couches,  they  shall  neither 
see  therein  sun  nor  piercing  cold  ;  and  close  down 
upon  them  shall  be  its  shadows  ;  and  lowered 
over  them  its  fruits  to  cull ;  (15)  and  they  shall 
be  served  round  with  vessels  of  silver  and  goblets 
that  are  as  flagons  —  flagons  of  silver  —  which 
they  shall  mete  out !  And  they  shall  drink  therein 
a  cup  tempered  with  ginger,  a  spring  therein 
named  Silsabil !  and  there  shall  go  round  about 
them  eternal  boys ;  when  thou  seest  them  thou 
wilt  think  them  scattered  pearls  ;  (20)  and  when 
thou  seest  them  thou  shalt  see  pleasure  and  a 
great  estate  !  On  them  shall  be  garments  of 
green  embroidered  satin  and  brocade,  and  they 
shall  be  adorned  with  bracelets  of  silver ;  and 
their  Lord  shall  give  them  to  drink  pure  drink  ! 
Verily,  this  is  a  reward  for  you,  and  your  efforts  are 
thanked. 

Chapter  LXXVIIL,  Verse  31.— Verily,  for  the 
pious  is  a  blissful  place — gardens  and  vineyards, 
and  girls  with  swelling  breasts  of  the  same  age 
as  themselves,  and  a  brimming  cup  ;  (35)  they 
shall  hear  therein  no  folly  and  no  lie — a  reward 
from  thy  Lord,  a  sufficient  gift ! 

Chapter  CL,  Verse  5. — And  as  for  him  whose 
balance  is  heavy,  he  shall  be  in  a  well-pleasing 
life. 

But  as  for  him  whose  balance  is  light,  his 
dwelling  shall  be  the  pit  of  Hell. 

And  who  shall  make  thee  know  what  it  is  ? 
a  burning  fire ! 

47 


GENII  OR  JINNS 

CHAPTER  VI. ,  Verse  112.— So  have  we  made 
\^/  for  every  prophet  an  enemy — devils  of 
men  and  jinns  ;  some  of  them  inspire  others  with 
specious  speech  to  lead  astray ;  but  had  thy 
Lord  pleased,  they  would  not  have  done  it ;  so 
leave  them  with  what  they  do  devise. 

....  Verse  127. — And  on  the  day  when  He  shall 
gather  them  all  together,  "  O  assembly  of  the 
jinns !  ye  have  got  much  out  of  mankind  !  "  And 
their  clients  from  among  mankind  shall  say: 
"  O  our  Lord  !  much  advantage  had  we  one  from 
another ;  but  we  reached  our  appointed  time 
which  thou  hadst  appointed  for  us."  Says  He, 
"  The  fire  is  your  resort,  to  dwell  therein  for  aye  ! 
save  what  God  pleases  ;  verily,  thy  Lord  is  wise 
and  knowing." 

Chapter  XL,  Verse  120.—"!  will  surely  fill 
Hell  with  jinns  and  mankind  altogether." 

Chapter  XV.,  Verse  28. — And  the  jinns  had 
we  created  before  of  smokeless  fire. 

Chapter  LI.,  Verse  55. — And  I  have  not  created 
the  jinn  and  mankind  save  that  they  may  worship 
Me. 

I  do  not  desire  any  provision  from  them,  and  I 
do  not  wish  them  to  feed  Me. 
48 


Chapter  LXXIL,  Verse  I.— In  the  name  of  the 
Merciful  and  Compassionate  God. 

Say,  "  I  have  been  inspired  that  there  listened 
a  company  of  the  jinn,  and  they  said,  '  We  have 
heard  a  marvellous  Koran  that  guides  to  the 
right  direction  ;  and  we  believe  therein,  and  we 
join  no  one  with  our  Lord,  for,  verily,  He — may 
the  majesty  of  our  Lord  be  exalted  ! — has  taken 
to  Himself  neither  consort  nor  son. 

"  '  And,  verily,  a  fool  among  us  spake  against 
God  wide  of  the  mark  ! 

(5)  "  '  And  we  thought  that  men  and  jinn 
would  never  speak  a  lie  against  God. 

"  '  And  there  are  persons  amongst  men  who 
seek  for  refuge  with  persons  amongst  the  jinn  ; 
but  they  increase  them  in  their  perverseness. 
And  they  thought,  as  ye  thought,  that  God  would 
not  raise  up  any  one  from  the  dead. 

"  '  But  we  touched  the  heavens  and  found 
them  filled  with  a  mighty  guard  and  shooting- 
stars,  and  we  did  sit  in  certain  seats  thereof  to 
listen  ;  but  whoso  of  us  listens  now  finds  a  shooting- 
star  for  him  on  guard. 

(10)  "  '  And,  verily,  we  know  not  whether  evil 
be  meant  for  those  who  are  in  the  earth,  or  if 
their  Lord  means  right  by  them. 

"  '  And  of  us  are  some  who  are  pious,  and  of  us  are 
some  who  are  otherwise  ;  we  are  in  separate  bands. 

"  '  And  we  thought  that  we  could  not  frustrate 
God  in  the  earth,  and  could  not  frustrate  Him 
by  flight. 

"  '  But,  verily,  when  we  heard  the  guidance  we 
believed  therein  ;  and  he  who  believes  in  his  Lord 
shall  fear  neither  diminution  nor  loss. 

19 


"  {  And,  verily,  of  us  are  some  who  are  Muslims, 
and  of  us  some  are  trespassers ;  but  those  of  us 
who  are  Muslims,  they  strive  after  right  direction 
(15)  and  as  for  the  trespassers  they  are  fuel  for 


ANGELS 

f^H  AFTER  III.,  Verse  16.— God  bears  witness 
\_/  that  there  is  no  God  but  He,  and  the  angels, 
and  those  possessed  of  knowledge  standing  up 
for  justice.  There  is  no  God  but  He,  the  Mighty, 
the  Wise.  .  .  . 

Verse  120. — When  thou  didst  say  unto  the 
believers,  "Is  it  not  enough  for  you  that  your 
Lord  assists  you,  with  three  thousand  of  the 
angels  sent  down  from  on  high  ?  " 

Chapter  VI.,  Verse  61. — He  triumphs  over  his 
servants ;  He  sends  to  them  guardian  angels, 
until,  when  death  comes  to  any  one  of  you,  our 
messengers  take  him  away  ;  they  pass  not  over 
any  one,  and  then  are  they  returned  to  God,  their 
true  sovereign. 

Chapter  VIII.,  Verse  12. — When  your  Lord 
inspired  the  angels — "  Verily,  I  am  with  you  ; 
make  ye  firm  then  those  who  believe  ;  I  will  cast 
dread  into  the  hearts  of  those  who  misbelieve — 
strike  off  their  necks  then,  and  strike  off  from 
them  every  finger-tip." 

That  is,  because  they  went  into  opposition 
against  God  and  His  apostle  ;  for  he  who  goes  into 
opposition  against  God  and  His  apostle — verily, 
God  is  keen  to  punish. 

51  G 


Chapter  XVI.,  Verse  3. — He  sends  down  the 
angels  with  the  Spirit  at  His  bidding  upon  whom 
He  will  of  His  servants  (to  say),  "  Give  warning 
that  there  is  no  God  but  Me." 

Chapter  XXXV.,  Verse  i.— In  the  name  of  the 
Merciful  and  Compassionate  God. 

Praise  belongs  to  God,  the  originator  of  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  ;  who  makes  the  angels 
His  messengers,  endued  with  wings  in  pairs,  or 
threes,  or  fours  ;  He  adds  to  creation  what  He 
pleases  ;  verily,  God  is  mighty  over  all ! 

Chapter  XXXIX.,  Verse  75.— And  thou  shalt 
see  the  angels  circling  round  about  the  throne, 
celebrating  the  praise  of  their  Lord  ;  and  it  shall 
be  decided  between  them  in  truth  ;  and  it  shall 
be  said,  "  Praise  be  to  God,  the  Lord  of  the 
worlds  !  " 

Chapter  XLIL,  Verse  3. — And  the  angels 
celebrate  the  praises  of  their  Lord,  and  ask  for- 
giveness for  those  who  are  on  the  earth. 

Chapter  L.,  Verse  16. — When  the  two  meeters 
meet,  sitting  the  one  on  the  right  and  the  other  on 
the  left,  not  a  word  does  he  utter,  but  a  watcher  is 
by  him  ready ! 


THE  DEVIL 

/"CHAPTER  XV.,  Verse  29.— And  when  thy 
V_y  Lord  said  to  the  angels,  "  Verily,  I  am 
creating  a  mortal  from  crackling  clay  of  black 
mud  wrought  into  shape  ; 

(30)  "  And  when  I  have  fashioned  it,  and 
breathed  into  it  of  my  spirit,  then  fall  ye  down 
before  it,  adoring." 

And  the  angels  adored  all  of  them  together, 
save  Iblis,  who  refused  to  be  among  those  who 
adored. 

He  said,  "  O  Iblis  !  what  ails  thee  that  thou  art 
not  among  those  who  adore  ?  " 

Said  he,  "  I  would  not  adore  a  mortal  whom 
Thou  hast  created  from  crackling  clay  of  black 
mud  wrought  into  form." 

He  said,  "  Then  get  thee  forth  therefrom,  and, 
verily,  thpu  art  to  be  pelted  !  (35)  And,  verily, 
the  curse  is  upon  thee  until  the  day  of  judgment." 

Said  he,  "  O  my  Lord  !  respite  me  until  the  day 
when  they  shall  be  raised."  He  said,  "  Then, 
verily,  thou  art  of  the  respited  until  the  day  of 
the  noted  time." 

He  said,  "  O  my  Lord  !  for  that  Thou  hast 
seduced  me,  I  will  surely  make  it  seem  seemly 
for  them  on  earth,  and  I  will  surely  seduce  them 

53 


all  together ;  (40)  save  such  of  Thy  servants 
amongst  them  as  are  sincere."  Said  He,  "  This 
is  a  right  way  against  Me.  Verily,  my  servants 
thou  hast  no  authority  over,  save  over  those  who 
follow  thee  of  such  as  are  seduced  ;  and,  verily, 
Hell  is  promised  to  them  all  together  !  " 


54 


PREDESTINATION 

/CHAPTER  III.,  Verse  163.— Those  who  said 
\^/  of  their  brethren,  whilst  they  themselves 
stayed  at  home,  "  Had  they  obeyed  us  they  would 
not  have  been  killed "  ;  say,  "  Ward  off  from 
yourselves  death,  if  ye  do  speak  the  truth." 

Chapter  VII.,  Verse  33. — Every  nation  has  its 
appointed  time,  and  when  their  appointed  time 
comes  they  cannot  keep  it  back  an  hour,  nor  can 
they  bring  it  on. 

Chapter  X.,  Verse  n. — And  if  God  should 
hasten  on  the  bad  to  men  as  they  would  hasten 
on  the  good,  their  appointed  time  would  surely 
be  fulfilled.  But  we  will  let  those  who  hope  not 
for  our  meeting  go  on  in  their  rebellion,  blindly 
wandering  on. 

Chapter  XVI.,  Verse  63.  —  If  God  were  to 
punish  men  for  their  wrongdoing,  He  would  not 
leave  upon  the  earth  a  single  beast,  but  He 
respites  them  until  a  stated  time  ;  and  when 
their  time  comes  they  cannot  put  it  off  an  hour, 
nor  can  they  bring  it  on. 

They  set  down  to  God  what  they  abhor  them- 
selves ;  and  their  tongues  describe  the  lie  that 
"  Good  is  to  be  theirs  "  ;  without  a  doubt  theirs  is 
the  Fire,  for,  verily,  they  shall  be  sent  on  there ! 

55 


Chapter  XVII.,  Verse  14. — And  every  man's 
augury  have  we  fastened  on  his  neck. 

Chapter  XXL,  Verse  101. — Verily,  those  for 
whom  the  good  (reward)  from  us  was  fore-ordained 
they  from  it  shall  be  kept  far  away ;  they  shall  not 
hear  the  slightest  sound  thereof,  and  they  in 
what  their  souls  desire  shall  dwell  for  aye.  The 
greatest  terror  shall  not  grieve  them;  and  the 
angels  shall  meet  them  (saying),  "  This  is  your 
day  which  ye  were  promised  !  " 

Chapter  LXIL,  Verse  8.— Say,  "Verily,  the 
death  from  which  ye  flee  will  surely  meet  you, 
then  shall  ye  be  sent  back  to  Him  who  knows  the 
unseen  and  the  visible,  and  He  will  inform  you 
of  that  which  ye  have  done  !  " 


PRAYER 

/CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  182.— When  my  ser- 
\^/  vants  ask  thee  concerning  me,  then,  verily, 
I  am  near  ;  I  answer  the  prayer's  prayer  whene'er 
he  prays  to  Me.  So  let  them  ask  Me  for  an 
answer,  and  let  them  believe  in  me  ;  haply  they 
may  be  directed  aright. 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  104. — But  when  ye  have 
fulfilled  your  prayer,  remember  God  standing 
and  sitting  and  lying  on  your  sides  ;  and  when 
ye  are  in  safety  then  be  steadfast  in  prayer  ; 
verily,  prayer  is  for  the  believers  prescribed  and 
timed  ! 

Chapter  VI.,  Verse  71.— Say,  "Verily,  God's 
guidance  is  the  guidance,  and  we  are  bidden  to 
resign  ourselves  unto  the  Lord  of  the  worlds, 
and  be  ye  steadfast  in  prayer  and  fear  Him,  for 
He  it  is  to  whom  we  shall  be  gathered." 

Chapter  XIV.,  Verse  36. — Say  to  my  servants 
who  believe,  that  they  be  steadfast  in  prayer. 

Chapter  XVII.,  Verse  80.— Be  thou  steadfast  in 
prayer  from  the  declining  of  the  sun  until  the 
dusk  of  the  night,  and  the  reading  of  the  dawn  ; 
verily,  the  reading  of  the  dawn  is  ever  testified  to. 

Chapter  XX.,  Verse  132. — Bid  thy  people  to 
prayer,  and  persevere  in  it ;  we  do  not  ask  thee  to 

57 


provide.  We  will  provide,  and  the  issue  shall  be 
to  piety. 

Chapter  XXII.,  Verse  76. — Be  ye  then  stead- 
fast to  prayer,  and  give  alms,  and  hold  fast  by 
God ;  He  is  your  sovereign,  and  an  excellent 
sovereign,  and  an  excellent  help  ! 

Chapter  II.,  Verse  144. — From  whencesoever 
thou  comest  forth,  there  turn  thy  face  towards 
the  sacred  mosque,  for  it  is  surely  truth  from  thy 
Lord  ;  God  is  not  careless  about  what  ye  do. 
(145)  And  from  whencesoever  thou  comest  forth, 
there  turn  thy  face  towards  the  sacred  mosque, 
and  wheresoever  ye  are,  turn  your  faces  towards 
it,  that  men  may  have  no  argument  against  you, 
save  only  those  of  them  who  are  unjust ;  and  fear 
them  not,  but  fear  Me  and  I  will  fulfil  my  favours 
to  you,  perchance  ye  may  be  guided  yet. 

Chapter  VII.,  Verse  29. — O  sons  of  Adam  ! 
take  your  ornaments  to  every  mosque  ;  and  eat  and 
drink,  but  do  not  be  extravagant,  for  He  loves  not 
the  extravagant. 


ALMSGIVING 

CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  211.— They  will  ask  thee 
\_/  what  they  are  to  expend  in  alms  :  say, 
"  Whatsoever  good  ye  expend  it  should  be  for 
parents  and  kinsmen,  and  the  orphan  and  the  poor, 
and  the  son  of  the  road  ;  and  whatsoever  good  ye 
do,  verily,  of  it  God  knows  !  " 

.  .  .  Verse  255. — O  ye  who  believe  !  expend  in 
alms  of  what  we  have  bestowed  upon  you,  before 
the  day  comes  in  which  is  no  barter,  and  no  friend- 
ship, and  no  intercession  ;  and  the  misbelievers, 
they  are  the  unjust. 

.  .  .  Verse  263. — The  likeness  of  those  who 
expend  their  wealth  in  God's  way  is  as  the  like- 
ness of  a  grain  that  grows  to  seven  ears,  in  every 
ear  a  hundred  grains ;  for  God  will  double  unto 
whom  he  pleases ;  for  God  both  embraces  and 
knows. 

Those  who  expend  their  wealth  in  God's  way 
then  do  not  follow  up  what  they  expend  by  taunt- 
ing with  it,  and  by  annoyance ;  these  have  their 
hire  with  their  Lord,  and  no  fear  is  on  them, 
neither  shall  they  grieve. 

(265). — Kind  speech  and  pardon  are  better  than 
almsgiving,  followed  by  annoyance,  and  God  is 
rich  and  clement. 

59  H 


O  ye  who  believe !  make  not  your  almsgiving 
vain  by  taunts  and  annoyance,  like  him  who  ex- 
pends what  he  has  for  the  sake  of  appearances 
before  men,  and  believes  not  in  God  and  the  last 
day  ;  for  his  likeness  is  as  the  likeness  of  a  flint 
with  soil  upon  it,  and  a  heavy  shower  falls  on  it 
and  leaves  it  bare  rock  ;  they  can  do  nought  with 
what  they  earn,  for  God  guides  not  the  mis- 
believing folk. 

But  the  likeness  of  those  who  expend  their 
wealth  craving  the  goodwill  of  God,  and  as  an 
insurance  for  their  souls,  is  as  the  likeness  of  a 
garden  on  a  hill.  A  heavy  shower  falls  on  it, 
and  it  brings  forth  its  eatables  twofold  ;  and  if 
no  heavy  shower  falls  on  it  the  dew  does,  and 
God  on  what  ye  do  doth  look. 

Chapter  III.,  Verse  86. — Ye  cannot  attain  to 
righteousness  until  ye  expend  in  alms  of  what  ye 
love.  But  what  ye  expend  in  alms,  that  God 
knows. 

Chapter  LXIV.,  Verse  16.— Then  fear  God  as 
much  as  ye  can  !  and  hear,  and  obey,  and  expend 
in  alms,  it  is  better  for  yourselves.  But  whoso- 
ever is  saved  from  his  own  covetousness — these  are 
the  prosperous  ! 

If  ye  lend  to  God  a  goodly  loan,  He  will  double 
it  for  you,  and  will  forgive  you  ;  for  God  is  grateful, 
clement ! 

He  knows  the  unseen  and  the  visible ;  the 
mighty,  the  wise ! 


60 


FASTING 

/CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  179.— There  is  pre- 
\^s  scribed  for  you  the  fast  as  it  was  pre- 
scribed for  those  before  you  ;  haply  ye  may  fear. 
(180)  A  certain  number  of  days,  but  he  amongst 
you  who  is  ill  or  on  a  journey,  then  (let  him  fast) 
another  number  of  days.  And  those  who  are 
fit  to  fast  may  redeem  it  by  feeding  a  poor  man  ; 
but  he  who  follows  an  impulse  to  a  good  work  it 
is  better  for  him  ;  and  if  ye  fast  it  is  better  for 
you,  if  ye  did  but  know. 

The  month  of  Ramazan,  wherein  was  revealed 
the  Koran,  for  a  guidance  to  men,  and  for  mani- 
festations of  guidance,  and  for  a  discrimination. 
And  he  amongst  you  who  beholds  this  month  then 
let  him  fast  it ;  but  he  who  is  sick  or  on  a  journey, 
then  another  number  of  days — God  desires  for 
you  what  is  easy,  and  desires  not  for  you  what 
is  difficult — that  ye  may  complete  the  number 
and  say,  "  Great  is  God,"  for  that  He  has  guided 
you  ;  haply  ye  may  give  thanks. 


61 


PILGRIMAGE  TO  MECCA 

CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  192.— And  fulfil  the 
\_s  pilgrimage  and  the  visitation  to  God  ;  but 
if  ye  be  besieged,  then  what  is  easiest  for  you 
by  way  of  gift.  But  shave  not  your  heads  until 
your  gift  shall  reach  its  destination ;  and  he 
amongst  you  who  is  sick  or  has  a  hurt  upon  his 
head,  then  the  redemption  is  by  fasting,  or  by 
alms,  or  by  an  offering.  But  when  ye  are  safe 
again,  then  let  him  who  would  enjoy  the  visitation 
until  the  pilgrimage  (bring)  what  is  easiest  as  a 
gift.  And  he  who  cannot  find  (anything  to  bring), 
then  let  him  fast  three  days  on  the  pilgrimage 
and  seven  when  ye  return  ;  these  make  ten  days 
complete.  That  is,  for  him  whose  family  are 
not  present  in  the  sacred  mosque  ;  and  fear  God, 
and  know  that  God  is  keen  to  punish. 

Chapter  III.,  Verse  90. — Verily,  the  first  house 
founded  for  men  was  surely  that  at  Bekkah,  for 
a  blessing  and  a  guidance  to  the  worlds.  Therein 
are  manifest  signs, — Abraham's  station,  and 
whosoever  enters  in  is  safe.  There  is  due  to  God 
from  man  a  pilgrimage  unto  the  House,  for  who- 
soever can  find  his  way  there.  But  whoso  mis- 
believes— God  is  independent  of  the  worlds. 

Chapter  XXII.,  Verse  25.— Verily,  those  who 

62 


misbelieve  and  who  turn  men  away  from  God's 
path  and  the  sacred  mosque,  which  we  have 
made  for  all  men  alike,  the  dweller  therein,  and 
the  stranger,  and  he  who  desires  therein  profana- 
tion with  injustice,  we  will  make  him  taste 
grievous  woe. 

And  when  we  established  for  Abraham  the  place 
of  the  House  (saying),  "  Associate  naught  with 
Me,  but  cleanse  My  House  for  those  who  make 
the  circuits,  for  those  who  stand  to  pray  ;  for 
those  who  bow,  and  for  those  too  who  adore. 

"  And  proclaim  amongst  men  the  Pilgrimage, 
let  them  come  to  you  on  foot  and  on  every  slim 
camel,  from  every  deep  pass,  that  they  may 
witness  advantages  for  them,  and  may  mention 
the  name  of  God  for  the  stated  days  over  what 
God  has  provided  them  with  of  brute  beasts,  then 
eat  thereof  and  feed  the  badly  off,  the  poor. 

(30). — "  Then  let  them  finish  the  neglect  of 
their  persons,  and  let  them  pay  their  vows  and 
make  the  circuit  round  the  old  House. 

"  That  do,  And  whoso  magnifies  the  sacred 
things  of  God,  it  is  better  for  him  with  his  Lord." 


WINE,  GAMING,  FOODS  AND  USURY, 
INFANTICIDE,  ILL  -  TREATMENT 
OF  ORPHANS 

CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  216.— They  will  ask 
\^_s  thee  about  wine  and  games  of  chance ;  say, 
"In  them  both  is  sin  and  profit  to  men;  but 
the  sin  of  both  is  greater  than  the  profit  of  the 
same." 

Chapter  V.,  Verse  92. — O  ye  who  believe ! 
verily,  wine,  and  games  of  chance,  and  statues, 
and  divining  (arrows)  are  only  an  abomination 
of  Satan's  work ;  avoid  them  then  that  haply  ye 
may  prosper.  Satan  only  desires  to  place  enmity 
and  hatred  between  you  by  wine  and  games  of 
chance,  and  to  turn  you  from  the  remembrance 
of  God  and  from  prayer  ;  but  will  ye  not  desist, 
and  obey  God,  and  obey  the  Apostles,  and  beware, 
for  if  ye  turn  back,  then  know  that  our  Apostle 
has  only  his  message  to  preach. 

Chapter  II.,  Verse  168. — O  ye  who  do  believe  ! 
eat  of  the  good  things  wherewith  we  have  pro- 
vided you,  and  give  thanks  unto  God  if  it  be 
Him  ye  serve — He  has  only  forbidden  for  you 
what  is  dead,  and  blood,  and  flesh  of  swine,  and 
whatsoever  has  been  consecrated  to  other  than 
God  ;  but  he  who  i?  forced,  neither  revolting 

54 


nor  transgressing,  it  is  in  no  sin  for  him ;  verily 
God  is  forgiving  and  merciful. 

Chapter  V.,  Verse  4. — Forbidden  to  you  is  that 
which  dies  of  itself,  and  blood,  and  the  flesh  of 
swine,  and  that  which  is  devoted  to  other  than 
God,  and  the  strangled,  and  the  knocked  down, 
and  that  which  falls  down,  and  the  gored,  and 
what  wild  beasts  have  eaten — except  what  ye 
slaughter  in  time — and  what  is  sacrificed  to  idols 
and  dividing  carcases  by  arrows. 

Chapter  II.,  Verse  276.  —  Those  who  devour 
usury  shall  not  rise  again,  save  as  he  riseth  whom 
Satan  hath  paralysed  with  a  touch  ;  and  that  is 
because  they  say,  "  Selling  is  only  like  usury," 
but  God  has  made  selling  lawful  and  usury  un- 
lawful ;  and  he  to  whom  the  admonition  from  his 
Lord  has  come,  if  he  desists,  what  has  gone 
before  is  his  ;  his  matter  is  in  God's  hands.  But 
whosoever  returns  (to  usury)  these  are  the  Fellows 
of  the  Fire,  and  they  shall  dwell  therein  for  aye. 
God  shall  blot  out  our  usury,  but  shall  make 
almsgiving  profitable,  for  God  loves  not  any 
sinful  misbeliever. 

Chapter  XXX.,  Verse  38.— And  what  ye  put 
out  to  usury  that  it  may  increase  with  the  wealth 
of  men,  it  shall  not  increase  with  God  ;  but  what 
ye  put  out  in  alms,  desiring  the  face  of  God — 
these  it  is  who  shall  gain  double. 

Chapter  VI.,  Verse  142. — Losers  are  they  who 
kill  their  children  foolishly,  without  knowledge, 
and  who  prohibit  what  God  has  bestowed  upon 
them,  forging  a  lie  against  God,  they  have  erred 
and  are  not  guided. 

Chapter  XVI.,  Verse  60. — When  any  one  of 

65 


them  has  tidings  of  a  female  child,  his  face  is 
over  clouded  and  black,  and  he  has  to  keep  back 
his  wrath. 

He  skulks  away  from  the  people,  for  the  evil 
tidings  he  has  heard — is  he  to  keep  it  with  its 
disgrace,  or  to  bury  it  in  the  dust  ? — aye  !  evil 
is  it  that  they  judge  ! 

For  those  who  disbelieve  in  the  future  life  is 
a  similitude  of  evil ;  but  for  God  is  the  loftiest 
similitude  ;  for  He  is  the  mighty,  the  wise  ! 

Chapter  XVII.,  Verse  33. — And  slay  not  your 
children  for  fear  of  poverty  ;  we  will  provide  for 
them  ;  beware  !  for  to  slay  them  is  ever  a  great 
sin  ! 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  10. — Verily,  those  who 
devour  the  property  of  orphans  unjustly,  only 
devour  into  their  bellies  fire,  and  they  shall  broil 
in  flames. 

Chapter  VI.,  Verse  153. — And  draw  not  nigh 
unto  the  wealth  of  the  orphan,  save  so  as  to  bettei 
it,  until  he  reaches  full  age,  and  give  weight  and 
measure  with  justice. 


66 


MARRIAGE  AND  DIVORCE 

CHAPTER  IV.,  Verse  3.— Marry  what  seems 
V_x  good  to  you  of  women,  by  twos,  or  threes, 
or  fours ;  and  if  ye  fear  that  ye  cannot  be  equit- 
able, then  only  one,  or  what  your  right  hands 
possess.*  That  keeps  you  nearer  to  not  being 
partial. 

Chapter  XXXIII.,  Verse  49.— O  thou  prophet ! 
verily  we  make  lawful  for  thee  thy  wives  to 
whom  thou  hast  given  their  hire  (i.e.  dowry),  and 
what  thy  right  hand  possesses  out  of  the  booty 
that  God  has  granted  thee. 

Chapter  II.,  Verse  226. — Those  who  swear  off 
from  their  women  they  must  wait  four  months  ; 
but  if  they  break  their  vow  God  is  forgiving  and 
merciful. 

And  if  they  intend  to  divorce  them,  verily,  God 
hears  and  knows. 

Divorce  (may  happen)  twice;  then  keep  them 
in  reason,  or  let  them  go  with  kindness.  It  is 
not  lawful  for  you  to  take  from  them  anything  of 
what  you  have  given  them,  unless  both  fear  that 
they  cannot  keep  within  God's  bounds. 

•  •  .          *  4.   .         •  • 

*  That  is  female  slaves. 

67  I 


(230). — But  if  he  divorce  her  (a  third  time)  sht 
shall  not  be  lawful  to  him  after  that,  until  she 
marry  another  husband  ;  but  if  he  divorce  her 
too,  it  is  no  crime  in  them  both  to  come  together 
again,  if  they  think  that  they  can  keep  within 
God's  bounds.  These  are  God's  bounds  which  He 
explains  to  a  people  who  know. 

When  ye  divorce  women,  and  they  have  reached 
the  prescribed  time,  then  keep  them  kindly,  or 
let  them  go  in  reason,  but  do  not  keep  them  by 
force  to  transgress ;  for  whoso  does  that,  he  is 
unjust  to  his  own  soul. 

It  is  no  crime  in  you  if  ye  divorce  your  women 
ere  ye  have  yet  touched  them,  or  settled  for  them 
a  settlement.  But  provide  maintenance  for  them 
— the  wealthy  according  to  his  power,  and  the 
straitened  in  circumstances  according  to  his 
power,  must  provide  in  reason  ;  a  duty  this  upon 
the  kind. 

And  if  ye  divorce  them  before  ye  have  touched 
them,  but  have  already  settled  for  them  a  settle- 
ment, the  half  of  what  ye  have  settled,  unless  they 
remit  it,  or  he  in  whose  hand  is  the  marriage  tie 
remits  it ;  and  that  ye  should  remit  is  nearer  to 
piety,  and  forget  not  liberality  between  you. 
Verily,  God  on  what  ye  do  doth  look. 

And  divorced  women  should  have  a  mainten- 
ance in  reason — a  duty  this  on  those  that  fear. 

Chapter  IV.,  Verse  24. — But  if  ye  wish  to  ex- 
change one  wife  for  another,  and  have  given  one 
of  them  a  talent,  then  take  not  from  it  anything. 

Chapter  XXXIIL,  Verse  46.— O  ye  who  believe  ! 
68 


when  ye  wed  believing  women,  and  then  divorce 
them  before  ye  have  touched  them,  ye  have  no 
term  that  ye  need  observe  ;  so  make  them  some 
provision,  and  let  them  go  handsomely  at  large. 

Chapter  LXV.,  Verse  2. — And  when  they  have 
reached  their  appointed  time,  then  retain  them 
with  kindness,  or  separate  from  them  with  kind- 
ness ;  and  bring  as  witnesses  men  of  equity  from 
among  you  ;  and  give  upright  testimony  to  God. 
That  is  what  He  admonishes  him  who  believes  in 
God  and  the  last  day  ;  and  whosoever  fears  God, 
He  will  make  for  him  a  (happy)  issue,  and  will 
provide  for  him  from  whence  he  reckoned  not. 


69 


PROSELYTISM 

CHAPTER  II.,  Verse  189.— But  fight  them 
\_s  that  there  be  no  sedition,  and  that  the 
religion  may  be  God's;  but  if  they  desist,  then 
let  there  be  no  hostility  save  against  the  unjust. 

Chapter  III.,  Verse  163. — Count  not  those  who 
are  killed  in  the  way  of  God  as  dead,  but 
living  with  their  Lord  :  provided  for,  rejoicing 
in  what  God  has  brought  them  of  His  grace,  and 
being  glad  for  those  who  have  not  reached  them 
yet — those  left  behind  them  ;  there  is  no  fear  for 
them,  and  they  shall  not  be  grieved,  (165)  glad 
at  favour  from  God  and  grace,  and  that  God 
wasteth  not  the  hire  of  the  believers. 

Chapter  XLVIII.,  Verse  16.— "  Ye  shall  be 
called  out  against  a  people  endowed  with  vehement 
valour,  and  shall  fight  them  or  they  shall  become 
Muslims.  And  if  ye  obey,  God  will  give  you  a 
good  hire  ;  but  if  ye  turn  your  backs,  as  ye  turned 
your  backs  before,  He  will  torment  you  with 
grievous  woe !  " 


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